Adapter block assembly

ABSTRACT

An adapter block assembly includes two housing pieces that cooperate to hold one or more adapters therebetween. The two housing pieces are removably latched together. Labels can be placed over the latches. Certain types of adapter block assemblies are configured to receive multi-fiber plug connectors. Certain types of adapter block assemblies include securement arrangements at opposite ends thereof to aid in mounting the adapter block assemblies to frames, trays, chassis, or other such structures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/335,593, filed on Mar. 21, 2019, which is a National StageApplication of PCT/US2017/052501, filed on Sep. 20, 2017, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/397,449, filed onSep. 21, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim ofpriority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.

BACKGROUND

As demand for telecommunications increases, fiber optic networks arebeing extended in more and more areas. Management of the cables, ease ofinstallation, and ease of accessibility for later management areimportant concerns. As a result, there is a need for fiber optic devicesand methods which address these and other concerns.

SUMMARY

Some aspects of the disclosure are directed to an adapter block assemblythat is elongated along a length between a first end and a second end.The adapter block assembly has a first port side and an opposite secondport side that each extends along the length between the first andsecond ends. The adapter block assembly includes a first housing pieceand a second housing piece. The first housing piece extends along thelength between the first and second ends. The first housing piecedefines the first port side. The first housing piece also includes afirst portion of a retention arrangement. The second housing pieceextends along the length between the first and second ends. The secondhousing piece defines the second port side. The second housing piecealso includes a second portion of a retention arrangement. The secondportion is configured to mate with the first portion to hold the firstand second housing pieces together. The first and second housing piecescooperate to define an interior when the first and second housing piecesare held together.

In certain implementations, an adapter fits within the interior.

In certain implementations, the adapter is one of a plurality ofadapters that fit within the interior.

In certain implementations, the adapters fit within the interior in arow.

In certain implementations, the adapter is configured to receive andalign two multi-fiber connectors.

In certain implementations, the adapter is a duplex adapter configuredto receive and align two pairs of multi-fiber connectors.

In certain implementations, the first portion of the retentionarrangement includes a latch arm and the second portion of the retentionarrangement includes a latch receptacle sized to receive the latch arm.

In certain implementations, the first portion of the retentionarrangement includes a plurality of latch arms and the second portion ofthe retention arrangement includes a plurality of latch receptacles.Each latch receptacle is sized to receive a corresponding one of thelatch arms.

In certain implementations, the first portion of the retentionarrangement includes a first latch arm and a first latch receptacle andthe second portion of the retention arrangement includes a second latcharm and a second latch receptacle sized to receive the first latch arm.The first latch receptacle is sized to receive the second latch arm.

In certain implementations, each portion of the retention arrangementincludes a plurality of latch arms and a plurality of latch receptacles.

In certain implementations, the first housing piece is identical to thesecond housing piece.

In certain implementations, the first and second retention wallscooperate to define first and second non-port sides of the adapter blockassembly when the second housing piece is held to the first housingpiece. At least one of the non-port sides defines a recessed area atwhich a label can be disposed.

In certain implementations, a label attached to the first non-port sideto cover at least part of the first and second portions of the retentionarrangement.

In certain implementations, a first securement arrangement disposed atthe first end of the adapter block assembly and a second securementarrangement disposed at the second end of the adapter block assembly.

In certain implementations, each of the securement arrangements includesa first part disposed at the first housing piece and a second partdisposed at the second housing pieces. The first part cooperates withthe second part to form the respective securement arrangement when thefirst housing piece is held to the second housing piece.

In certain implementations, the first securement arrangement is fullyformed by the first housing piece and the second securement arrangementis fully formed by the second housing piece.

In certain implementations, each securement arrangement includes alatching hook.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a fixture for use inassembling an adapter block assembly. The fixture includes a bodyincluding a base that is elongated along a length between a first endand a second end; and alignment members disposed in a row along the baseand extending upwardly from the base. Each alignment member is sized tofit within a port of an adapter.

In certain implementations, a first alignment guide extends upwardlyfrom the base at the first end. In certain examples, a second alignmentguide extends upwardly from the base at the second end.

In certain implementations, each alignment member includes a key membersized and is shaped to fit within a keyway defined by a respective portof an adapter.

In certain implementations, an adapter block assembly is mounted to thefixture.

In certain implementations, a first housing piece is mounted to thefixture.

In certain implementations, an adapter is mounted over the first housingpiece so that one of the alignment members extends into a port definedby the adapter.

In certain implementations, sides of the fixture that extend between thefirst and second ends are sufficiently low to the base to enable labelsto be added to the adapter block assembly without removing the adapterblock assembly from the fixture.

In certain implementations, the fixture includes indicia that indicate arotational orientation of the adapter block assembly.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method of assemblingof adapter block assembly. The method includes mounting a first housingpiece onto a fixture. The first housing piece has a first port sidefacing a base of the fixture. The fixture includes an alignment memberthat extends upwardly through an aperture defined in the first port sideof the first housing piece.

In certain implementations, the method also includes mounting an adapterto the fixture over the first housing piece. The adapter defines a port.The adapter is mounted so that the alignment member of the fixtureextends into the port.

In certain implementations, the method also includes mounting a secondhousing piece over the adapter so that the adapter is disposed within acavity defined by the first and second housing pieces; and securing thesecond housing piece to the first housing piece to form an adapter blockassembly.

In certain implementations, the alignment member includes a key thatfits with a keyway defined at the port to rotationally orient theadapter relative to the fixture.

In certain implementations, the method also includes applying a label toa first non-port side of the adapter block assembly without removing theadapter block assembly from the fixture.

In certain implementations, the method also includes rotating thefixture and the adapter block assembly to lay an opposite secondnon-port side on a surface prior to applying the label to the firstnon-port side. The fixture is rotated based on indicia identifying thefirst non-port side.

In certain implementations, the method also includes rotating thefixture and the adapter block assembly to lay the first non-port side onthe surface; and applying a second label to the second non-port side.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the description, illustrate several aspects of the presentdisclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a first port side perspective view of an example adapter blockassembly configured in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a second port side perspective view of the example adapterblock assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adapter block assembly of FIG. 1with the components exploded from each other;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of an example housing piece suitablefor use with the adapter block assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example adapter suitable for use withthe adapter block assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter block assembly of FIG. 1with one of the adapters removed for ease in viewing interior featuresof the housing pieces; and

FIGS. 8-15 illustrate steps of assembling the adapter block assemblyusing a fixture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The present disclosure is directed to an adapter block assembly having afirst port side and an opposite second port side. Each port side definesone or more ports that align with the one or more ports on the oppositeside. The adapter block assembly includes first and second securementarrangements at opposite ends to facilitate mounting the adapter blockassembly to a frame, tray, drawer, rack, chassis, or other suchstructure. The adapter block assembly is assembled so as to be handledas a unit. Any plug connectors received at the ports are carried withthe adapter block assembly.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example adapter block assembly 100structured and configured in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure. The adapter block assembly 100 is elongated along alength between a first end 103 and a second end 104. The adapter blockassembly 100 has a first port side 101 and an opposite second port side102 that each extend along the length between the first and second ends103, 104. One or more connection ports 108 are defined at each port side101, 102. The ports 108 align optical plug connectors received at theopposite port sides 101, 102. Each port 108 can receive a dust cap 109when not in use (i.e., when a plug connector is not received at the port108).

Opposite non-port sides 105, 106 extend between the port sides 101, 102and between the first and second ends 103, 104. In certain examples, thenon-port sides 105, 106 have more surface area than the port sides 101,102. In certain examples, labels or other indicia can be provided at oneor both of the non-port sides 105, 106. In certain examples, portions ofthe non-port sides 105, 106 are recessed (see 115) to accommodate thelabels without increasing a footprint of the adapter block assembly 100.

In certain examples, indicia can be provided on the first non-port side105 in alignment with the ports 108 to provide port identification. Inthe example shown in FIG. 1, a first adhesive port label 160A isdisposed on the first non-port side 105 across a first set of ports 108and a second adhesive port label 160B is disposed on the first non-portside 105 across a second set of ports 108. In other examples, however,the port labels 160 can be held by a transparent cover, molded into,silk screened onto, or otherwise disposed at the non-port side 105. Asshown in FIG. 2, a block label 165 can be disposed elsewhere on theadapter block assembly 100, such as on the second non-port side 106. Theblock label 165 can provide identification for the adapter block 100. Aswith the first label 160, the block label 165 can be held by adhesive, atransparent cover, or can be silk screened or molded onto the adapterblock 100.

In certain implementations, a securement arrangement 107 can be disposedat the first end 103. The securement arrangement 107 is configured toengage mounting structure on a tray, drawer, frame, chassis, blade, orother retention structure to hold the adapter block assembly 100 at theretention structure. In certain examples, the securement arrangement 107is a first securement arrangement and a second securement arrangement107 can be provided at the second end 104. In the example shown, thefirst securement arrangement 107 is identical to the second securementarrangement 107. In certain examples, each securement arrangement 107includes a hook. In certain examples, each securement arrangement 107includes a latching shoulder. In certain examples, each securementarrangement 107 includes rails extending outwardly from opposite sidesof a ramp.

In certain examples, the adapter block assembly 100 defines recesses,channels, or other such features that provide clearance and/or alignmentwith the retention structure to which the adapter block assembly 100 isto be mounted. For example, the second non-port surface 106 defines achannel 106A that extends across the second non-port side 106 betweenthe two port sides 101, 102. In certain examples, the channel 106Aaccommodates a raised portion of the retention structure. In an example,the channel 106A aligns with the raised portion to properly position theadapter block assembly 100 at the retention structure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the adapter block assembly 100 includes a firsthousing piece 110A that mates with a second housing piece 110B. Eachhousing piece 110A, 110B defines one of the port sides 101, 102. Incertain examples, one or more adapters 130 are disposed between thefirst and second housing pieces 110A, 110B. Each adapter 130 includesthe alignment structures that hold the plug connectors at the ports 108.In some examples, the first housing piece 110A is identical to thesecond housing piece 110B. In other examples, however, the first andsecond housing pieces 110A, 110B can be distinct from each other.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an example housing piece 110 that is suitablefor use as the first housing piece 110A and/or the second housing piece110B. The housing piece 110 extends along the length of the adapterblock 100 between the first and second sides 103, 104. The housing piece110 includes a first surface 111 that defines one of the port sides 101,102. The first surface 111 extends between opposite ends 112 of thehousing piece 110. The ends 112 of two housing pieces 110 cooperate toform one of the adapter block assembly ends 103, 104 (see FIG. 1). Oneor more apertures 113 are defined in the first surface 111 to provideaccess to the ports. In some examples, each aperture 113 provides accessto one port 108. In other examples, however, each aperture 113 canprovide access to multiple ports 108. In other examples, the firstsurface 111 defines a single aperture 113 that provides access to allports 108 at the respective port side 101, 102.

The housing piece 110 includes retention walls 114 that extend betweenthe first and second ends 112 and away from the first surface 111. Theretention walls 114 extend from opposite sides of the first surface 111so that the retention walls 114 cooperate with the ends 112 and thefirst surface 111 to define an interior cavity 116. When the first andsecond housing pieces 110A, 110B are held together, the respectiveinterior cavities 116 cooperate to define an interior in which one ormore adapters 130 can be disposed as will be discussed in more detailherein.

A retention arrangement 120 (FIG. 2) holds together the first and secondhousing pieces 110. In certain examples, the retention arrangement 120is disposed along the seam 121 (FIG. 2) between the two housing pieces110A, 110B. In certain implementations, the retention arrangement 120includes a first portion that is disposed at the first housing piece110A and a second portion that is disposed at the second housing piece110B. In certain examples, the retention arrangement 120 includesmultiple retaining features that are disposed at each housing piece 110.The retaining features mate together to hold the housing pieces 110A,110B together.

In some implementations, the first portion of the retention arrangement120 includes a latch arm 122 and the second portion of the retentionarrangement 120 defines a recess 123 in which the latch arm 122 isreceived. In other implementations, the first portion of the retentionarrangement 120 includes a recess 123 and the second portion of theretention arrangement 120 defines a latch arm 122 sized to be receivedin the recess 123. In still other implementations, each portion of theretention arrangement 120 includes both a latch arm 122 and a recess123. The recess 123 of each portion of the retention arrangement 120 issized and shaped to receive the latch arm 122 of the other portion. Incertain examples, each portion of the retention arrangement 120 includesmultiple latch arms 122 and multiple recesses 123.

In certain examples, each latch arm 122 includes engagement shoulders125 disposed at a distal end of a flexible beam 124 so that theengagement shoulders 125 are cantilevered off the retention wall 114. Inan example, a distal end of the latch arm 122 defines a ramp 126. Incertain examples, each recess 123 defines engagement shoulders 127 thatalign with and abut engagement shoulders 125 of the latch arm 122 whenthe latch arm 122 is received at the recess 123 (see FIG. 7). In certainexamples, one or more ramped surfaces 128A lead to each recess 123 sothat the ramp 126 of the latch arm 122 cams over the ramped surface 128Auntil the engagement shoulders 125 of the latch arm 122 snap into therecess behind the engagement shoulders 127 of the recess 123.

In an example, another ramped surface 128B may be provided at theopposite end of the recess 123 from the ramped surface(s) 128A. Theramped surface 128B accommodates the ramp 126 of the latch arm 122. Incertain examples, the ramped surface 128B facilitates separation of thefirst and second portions of the retention arrangement 120. For example,a tool can be wedge between the ramp 126 and the ramped surface 128B topry the latch arm 122 out of the recess 123.

In certain implementations, the housing pieces 110A, 110B only fittogether in a specific rotational orientation of each housing piece110A, 110B. Accordingly, each housing piece 110 may include alignmentstructures 129 that are disposed on one non-port side 105, 106 and noton the other non-port side 106, 105. In the example shown in FIG. 5, oneend of the first non-port side 105 of the housing piece 110 includes aprotrusion 129A and the opposite end of the first non-port side 105defines a notch 129B sized to receive the protrusion 129A. The secondnon-port side 106 does not include either the protrusion 129A or thenotch 129B. In certain examples, the protrusion 129A fits in the notch129B without forming an attachment thereto (in contrast to latch arms122 and recesses 123).

In the example shown, each housing piece 110 includes part 107A, 107B ofthe securement arrangement 107 at each end 112. The securementarrangement parts 107A, 107B of adjoining ends 112 cooperate to define asingle securement arrangement 107 when two housing pieces 110A, 110B arejoined together. In other examples, however, each housing piece 110 caninclude a full securement part 107 at one end 112 and no securement partat the other end 112. In still other examples, one of the housing pieces110A, 110B can include both securement arrangements 107 and the otherhousing piece 110A, 110B can be devoid of securement arrangements 107 orparts thereof.

Each housing piece 110 includes structure that retains the adapter(s)130 within the interior formed by the combined cavities 116 of thehousing pieces 110. In certain examples, each adapter block assembly 100holds multiple adapters 130. In some such implementations, each housingpiece 110 includes dividing walls 117 that separate the adapters 130. Incertain examples, each dividing wall can include features that aid inretaining the adapter 130 at a specific location within the housingpiece 110 as will be discussed in more detail herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example adapter 130 suitable for use in theadapter block assembly 100. In the example shown, the adapter 130 is amulti-fiber adapter that is configured to receive a multi-fiber plugconnector (e.g., an MPO connector) at each port 134. In other examples,however, the adapter 130 can be configured to receive any desired typeof plug connector (e.g., a single fiber connector, an electricalconnector, etc.) at each port 134.

The adapter 130 includes opposing major surfaces 131 extending betweenopposite end surfaces 132. Opposite port surfaces 133 extend between theopposite major surfaces 131 and between the opposite end surfaces 132.Each port surface 133 defines one or more adapter ports 134 leading toalignment structure for a plug connector received at the port 134. Incertain examples, each adapter port 134 defines a keyway 135 configuredto align with a key disposed on the plug connector to indicate a properrotational orientation of the plug connector at the port 134. In variousexamples, the keyway orientation can be configured as either Method A(i.e., key-up/key-down) or Method B (key-up/key-up). In certainexamples, retention structure (e.g., latch arms, inward-facingshoulders, bayonet lugs, etc.) for engaging the plug connector isdisposed at each port 134.

In some implementations, each adapter 130 is configured to receive asingle plug connector at each port side 133. In other examples, however,each adapter 130 is configured to receive multiple plug connectors ateach port side 133. In the example shown, each adapter 130 is configuredto receive two plug connectors at each port side 133. In certainexamples, the adapter 130 is elongated along a length between theopposite ends 132 and the ports 134 of one port side 133 are disposed ina row along the elongated length.

In the example shown, the adapter 130 defines a recessed band 137extending circumferentially or partially circumferentially around themajor side(s) 131 and ends 132 of the adapter 130. In certain examples,a rib 138 can be disposed in the recessed band 137.

In certain examples, each adapter 130 fits within the interior of theadapter block assembly 100 so that the ports 134 of the adapter 130align with the port holes 113 defined in the first side 111 of eachhousing piece 110. In some examples, multiple adapters 130 are disposedwithin the adapter block assembly interior in a row. In certainexamples, dividing walls separate the adapters 130 from each other. Incertain examples, each adapter 130 includes a first engagement featurethat interacts with a second engagement feature of the dividing wall117.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the adapter 130 includes a protrusion136 that functions as an engagement feature of the adapter 130. In otherexamples, however, the engagement feature could be a recess, a latch, aramp, etc. In the example housing piece 110 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, eachhousing piece 110 includes a dividing wall section 117 that is shaped tocooperate with a dividing wall section 117 of the other housing piece110 to form the dividing wall 117. In certain examples, each dividingwall section 117 defines a notch 118 that cooperates with a notch 118 ofthe corresponding dividing wall section 117 of the other housing piece110 to provide an aperture in which the protrusion 136 is captured (seeFIG. 7). Accordingly, the notched dividing wall sections 117 cooperateto hold the adapter 130 is a particular position within the housingpieces 110.

In certain implementations, each housing piece 110 also can includepositioning structures (e.g., ribs 119) that aid in properly positioningthe adapter 130 within the housing piece 110. In certain examples, theribs 119 hold the adapter 130 away from the retention wall 114 enough toenable sufficient flexing of the retention wall 114 relative to theadapter to secure the two portions of the retention arrangement 120together.

Referring to FIGS. 8-15, a fixture 140 can be provided to aid inassembling the adapter block assembly 100. The fixture 140 holds thecomponents in place during assembly. The fixture 140 also aids inrotationally aligning the components.

An example fixture 140 suitable for use in assembling the adapter blockassembly 100 disclosed herein is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The fixture 140includes a base 141 elongated along a length between a first end and asecond end. One or more alignment members 142 are disposed in a rowalong the base 141. Each alignment member 142 extends upwardly from thebase 141. Each alignment member 142 is sized to fit within a port 134 ofan adapter 130. In certain examples, each alignment member 142 includesa key 143 that is sized and shaped to fit within the keyway 135 definedat the adapter port 134.

A first alignment guide 144 extends upwardly from the base 141 at thefirst end and a second alignment guide 144 extends upwardly from thebase 141 at the second end. Each alignment guide 144 defines a channelor other guide 145 sized and shaped to accommodate a securementarrangement 107 of the adapter block assembly 100. Each guide channel145 is open at a top of each alignment guide 144.

First and second sides 146, 147 of the fixture 141 extend along the base141 between the first and second ends. The keys 143 of the alignmentmembers 142 extend towards the first side 146. The opposite side of thealignment members 142 from the keys 143 faces the second side 147. Incertain examples, indicia 148A are provided at the first side 146 andnot at the second side 147 to distinguish between the first and secondsides 146, 147. In certain examples, a flange 148B or notch can beprovided at the first side 146 and not at the second side 147 todistinguish between the first and second sides 146, 147.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a user begins to assemble the adapter block100 by inserting a first housing piece 110, 110A onto the fixture 140.The housing piece 110, 110A is oriented so that the first surface 111 isfacing towards the base 141 of the fixture 140. A first portion of theretention arrangement faces away from the fixture 140. During insertion,the securement arrangement parts 107A at opposite ends of the housingpiece 110A ride along the guide channels 145 defined in the first andsecond alignment guides 144 of the fixture 140. The alignment members142 of the fixture 140 pass through openings 113 defined by the firstsurface 111 of the housing piece 110, 110A. In certain examples, thehousing piece 110, 110A is inserted until the housing piece 110, 110Abottoms out on the base 141.

In certain examples, the user can use the alignment structures 129 toproperly rotationally orient the housing piece 110, 110A relative to thefixture 140. In certain examples, the housing piece 110 can berotationally oriented relative to the fixture 140 so that the alignmentstructures 129A, 129B of the housing 110 face the alignment flange 148Bof the fixture 140. In certain examples, the housing piece 110 can berotationally oriented relative to the fixture 140 so that the alignmentstructures 129A, 129B of the housing 110 face the indicia 146A of thefixture 140.

As shown in FIG. 10, one or more adapters 130 are inserted into thecavities defined by the first housing piece 110, 110A. As the adapters130 are slid onto the fixture 140, the alignment members 142 of thefixture 140 slide into the ports 134 at one port side 133 of the adapter130. The keys 143 of the alignment members 142 slide along the keyways135 of the ports 134. Accordingly, the keys 143 of the alignment members142 inhibit insertion of an adapter 130 that is not properlyrotationally oriented to align the keys 143 and the keyways 135.

The keys 143 of the fixture 140 ensure that the ports 134 of theadapters 130 are rotationally oriented in a predetermined mannerrelative to the adapter block assembly 100. In some examples, thefixture 140 includes keys 143 that all face the first side 146 of thefixture 140. Such a fixture 140 ensures the formation of an adapterblock assembly 100 having all ports 108 with a common rotationalorientation (i.e., all plug connectors received at the ports 108 willhave a common rotational orientation). In other examples, however, thekeys 143 can be arranged on the alignment members 142 to rotationallyorient each adapter 130 in any desired position. For example, the keys143 can be disposed at alternating sides of the fixture 140 to provideports having alternating rotational alignment (i.e., a row of ports 134having keyways 135 on alternate sides along the row).

In certain examples, the indicia 148A and/or flange 148B may aid a userin properly orienting the adapter 130 relative to the fixture 140 andfirst housing piece 110, 110A. In the example shown, the user can alignthe adapter 130 so that the keyway 135 faces away from the indicia 148Aand flange 148B.

In some examples, the adapters 130 are inserted until the protrusions136 abut the notches 118 of the dividing wall sections 117. In otherexamples, the adapters 130 are inserted until one of the port sides 133bottoms out against the first side 111 of the housing piece 110, 110A.

As shown in FIG. 11, a second housing piece 110, 110B is mounted to thefixture 140 over the adapters 130 so that the adapters 130 aresandwiched between the first and second housing pieces 110A, 110B. Thehousing piece 110, 110B is oriented so that the first surface 111 isfacing away from the base 141 of the fixture 140. The second portion ofthe retention arrangement 120 faces the fixture 140. During insertion,the securement arrangement parts 107B at opposite ends of the housingpiece 110B ride along the guide channels 145 defined in the first andsecond alignment guides 144 of the fixture 140.

As the second housing piece 110, 110B is mounted onto the fixture 140,the second portion of the retention arrangement 120 moves towards andthen mates with the first portion of the retention arrangement 120. Incertain examples, latch arms 122 of each portion cam over correspondingramped surfaces 128A and then snap into corresponding recesses 123 (seeFIG. 12). In certain examples, the protrusion 129A of the second housingpiece 110, 110B fits into the notch 129B of the first housing piece 110,110A. The protrusion 129A of the first housing piece 110, 110A fits intothe notch 129B of the second housing piece 110, 110B.

As shown in FIG. 12, the fixture 140 holds the assembled adapter blockassembly 100 when the second housing piece 110B is attached to the firsthousing piece 110A. The indicia 148A, 148B of the fixture 140 identify arotational orientation of the adapter block assembly 100. For example,the indicia 148A, 148B indicate which non-port side 105, 106 of theadapter block assembly 100 the keyways 135 of the adapter ports 134face.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the fixture 140 can be utilized to attachlabels to the adapter block assembly 100. For example, the fixture 140can be laid on the non-port side that does not include the indicia 148A,148B. A user can apply one or more port labels 160 to this non-port side105 of the adapter block assembly 100. In certain implementations, asidewall 149 of the fixture 140 is sufficiently short to provide accessto a majority of the non-port side 105. In an example, the port labelsare adhesively fixed to the non-port side 105.

In certain examples, the port labels 160 extend over at least part ofthe seam 121 between the first and second housing pieces 110A, 110B. Incertain examples, the port labels 160 extend over at least part of theretention arrangement 120. In the example shown, the port labels 160fully cover the latch arms 122 and recesses 123. Accordingly, the portlabels 160 can provide anti-tamper functionality (by inhibiting manualseparation of the housing pieces or showing damage to alert a user totampering by others).

As shown in FIG. 14, the fixture 140 can be flipped over 180° so thatthe indicia 148A, 148B face the surface on which the fixture 140 isseated. A block label 165 can be added to the second non-port side 106of the adapter block assembly 100. In certain examples, the block label165 extends over at least part of the seam 121 between the first andsecond housing pieces 110A, 110B. In certain examples, the block label165 extends over at least part of the retention arrangement 120. In theexample shown, the block label 165 fully covers two of the latch arms122 and recesses 123 of the retention arrangement 120.

As shown in FIG. 15, the adapter block assembly 100 can be removed fromthe fixture 140. In certain examples, the adapter block assembly 100 isremoved by sliding the adapter block assembly 100 away from the base 141so that the securement arrangements 107 slide along the guide channels145 and through the open tops of the guide channels 145.

Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of thepresent disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosedconcepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it isintended that such modifications and equivalents be included within thescope of the claims which are appended hereto.

1. (canceled)
 2. A method of assembling of adapter block assembly, themethod comprising: mounting a first housing piece onto a fixture, thefirst housing piece having a first port side facing a base of thefixture, the fixture including an alignment member that extends upwardlythrough an aperture defined in the first port side of the first housingpiece.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising mounting an adapterto the fixture over the first housing piece, the adapter defining aport, the adapter being mounted so that the alignment member extendsinto the port.
 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: mounting asecond housing piece over the adapter so that the adapter is disposedwithin a cavity defined by the first and second housing pieces; andsecuring the second housing piece to the first housing piece to form anadapter block assembly.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the alignmentmember includes a key that fits with a keyway defined at the port torotationally orient the adapter relative to the fixture.
 6. The methodof claim 3, further comprising applying a label to a first non-port sideof the adapter block assembly without removing the adapter blockassembly from the fixture.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprisingrotating the fixture and the adapter block assembly to lay an oppositesecond non-port side on a surface prior to applying the label to thefirst non-port side, wherein the fixture is rotated based on indiciaidentifying the first non-port side.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising: rotating the fixture and the adapter block assembly to laythe first non-port side on the surface; and applying a second label tothe second non-port side.
 9. A fixture for use in assembling an adapterblock assembly, the fixture comprising: a body including a base that iselongated along a length between a first end and a second end; and aplurality of alignment members disposed in a row along the base andextending upwardly from the base, each alignment member being sized tofit within a port of an adapter.
 10. The fixture of claim 9, furthercomprising: a first alignment guide extending upwardly from the base atthe first end; and a second alignment guide extending upwardly from thebase at the second end.
 11. The fixture of claim 9, wherein eachalignment member includes a key member sized and shaped to fit within akeyway defined by a respective port of an adapter.
 12. The fixture ofclaim 9, further comprising the adapter block assembly of claim 1mounted thereto.
 13. The fixture of claim 9, further comprising a firsthousing piece mounted thereto.
 14. The fixture of claim 13, furthercomprising an adapter mounted over the first housing piece so that oneof the alignment members extends into a port defined by the adapter. 15.The fixture of claim 12, wherein sides of the fixture that extendbetween the first and second ends are sufficiently low to the base toenable labels to be added to the adapter block assembly without removingthe adapter block assembly from the fixture.
 16. The fixture of claim12, wherein the fixture includes indicia that indicate a rotationalorientation of the adapter block assembly.
 17. An adapter block assemblycomprising: a plurality of optical adapters, each adapter definingoppositely facing ports aligned along a plug insertion axis, eachadapter including oppositely disposed protrusions aligned along a secondaxis perpendicular to the plug insertion axis; a first and secondhousing pieces that cooperate to define an interior in which the opticaladapters are disposed, each of the first and second housing piecesincluding notched dividing walls that cooperate with each other tosandwich the protrusions to hold the optical adapters in position. 18.The adapter block assembly of claim 17, wherein the optical adaptersinclude multi-fiber optical adapters.
 19. The adapter block assembly ofclaim 17, wherein the first and second housing pieces are identical toeach other.
 20. The adapter block assembly of claim 17, wherein thefirst and second housing pieces cooperate to define oppositely facingsecurement parts by which the adapter block assembly is configured to bemounted to equipment.
 21. The adapter block assembly of claim 17,wherein each of the first and second housing pieces includes a pluralityof latch arms and a plurality of recesses sized and shaped to receivethe latch arms of the other housing piece.